What is it used for?

How does it work?

Helixate Nexgen contains the active ingredient factor VIII, which is a protein that is essential for the process of blood clotting (coagulation).

Factor VIII is found in human blood plasma and can be extracted from donated blood. However, this medicine contains recombinant factor VIII, which is a genetically engineered form of factor VIII. In the recombinant manufacture process, a copy of the human gene responsible for producing the clotting factor is inserted into a "host" cell, originally derived from a hamster but now grown in a laboratory. The inserted gene uses the host cell to manufacture the recombinant clotting factor VIII.

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When bleeding occurs the body quickly seals the breaks in blood vessels by forming clots. A series of clotting proteins is involved in this process. Lack of any one of these clotting factors can lead to uncontrolled bleeding or excessive bruising following injury.

Factor VIII is deficient from birth in people with haemophilia A. This deficiency causes the blood to clot very slowly and can result in prolonged bleeding following any injury or wound. People with haemophilia may also bleed spontaneously into muscles and joints.

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Recombinant factor VIII is given by slow injection into a vein (infusion) to people with haemophilia to supplement their deficient factor VIII. This is necessary to help the blood clot and stop bleeding following accidents, surgery or spontaneous bleeds. In severe cases it may also be given regularly every few days to prevent bleeding.

Warning!

Allergic reactions are possible to this medicine. If you get symptoms such as tightness of the chest, wheezing, dizziness or nausea these may be early signs of hypersensitivity or a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If you get an allergic reaction the medicine should be stopped immediately and your doctor consulted.

Helixate NexGen should be stored in a fridge at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep container in outer carton.

Not to be used in

Allergy to mouse or hamster protein

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Fever (pyrexia)

Skin rash/itch

Burning/redness at injection site

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.